Steve Redgewell - Profile

December 7th, 2006

My name? Well it’s Steven Redgewell, and I was born in Evesham 24 years ago. I’ve lived there all my life, with my Parents and brother, Paul. I studied BSc Computing at University, and since graduating I become a Web Developer; which I have been for some 3 years now.

Rowing is very much a family activity. My dad introduced me to it when I was about 9 or 10, so my first time in a boat was to Cox for him; and I’ve been rowing as a junior ever since I was 12.

My junior days were crammed with school, rowing, training and regattas! The most memorable, was Henley Royal Regatta, having raced there for 3 consecutive years. I’ve won numerous medals, too many to count! I even trained as a junior, for the Great Britain team, but unfortunately when I was 14, I had a rowing accident which caused ligament damage in my back and restricted what training I could do. As a Junior I spent many hours on a physiotherapy table, which eased the problem, but I still needed to be very careful of what I did. I know at this stage strengthening my back will play a massive part of my preparation towards the task ahead.

When I reached 18, I spent time coaching both at RGS Worcester as a part time coach, and Evesham Rowing Club. The time devoted to coaching, although fulfilling and important has meant that I have had little time to concentrate on my own racing ambitions. I think the most I have raced in recent times, has been twice a year!

I stepped away from coaching in September 2006, to concentrate and re-focus on my own rowing and training. I have always liked to maintain a certain level of fitness, mainly through rowing, but also running, swimming, cycling and rugby. I have always been “ultra competitive” and don’t like to lose! So for me, to focus again on my own racing has been a step in the right direction for concentrating on fitness, stamina and mental preparation, ready for this Ocean Race. I have always fancied doing something different…I would climb Mount Everest or trek to the North Pole if it wasn’t so cold! But, I guess I’ve wanted to do something similar to this before James Cracknell and Ben Fogle did the Atlantic row in 2005. Seeing them achieve their row, only deepened the desire to step out and do something worth while, so it prompted me to look into the Indian Ocean Rowing race set for 2009.

Entry Filed under: The Crew